broken tiller woes, suggestions please

[tillergirl]

Yes, but you'll never do that again! Pretty certain that the rudder is made in the same way as mine. If cash is short (isn't it always), glue up the rudder head and investigate the cost of a band. I don't think the plate either side option will work as you have some substantial fastenings already at the top that don't leave a vast amount of space for through bolting some extras. Good paint job as well. But then keep an eye on it. Note how the crack extends down quite a way down the rudder head. That will be difficult to seal so keep an eye on it. The worst scenario would be to get damp attacking the central blade but that's not going to happen overnight and a fix will probably last a couple of years. It will be easy to spot problems as the paint will crack if there is movement.

 

[alahol2]

It looks like there have been a couple of temporary repairs already. There is a screw in either side at the top. I would go with removing those two screws, prise apart whatever moves and pour in epoxy. Get a stainless plate shaped up for eaither side of the rudder head then through bolt it at the four corners. If the wood is still sound I reckon that sort or repair will last very many years. Whittle yourself a new tiller.

PS it may be worth trying to fabricate a couple of rudderstops to prevent future mishaps.
This is one way to do it...

 

[chinita]

Your photos look like exactly what happened to my tiller earlier in the year.

Fortunately I have an identical spare.

I thought about trying to repair the break but I am now going to shorten it and use it when 'pottering' (ie most of the time). Should not affect things given the type of sailing I do and will give a few more inches in a small cockpit.

I am also going to make a new full length one in suitably grained ash in due course.

The major lesson is - carry a spare, even if it is a rough hewn substitute.

 

[floebs]

Yes, but you'll never do that again! Pretty certain that the rudder is made in the same way as mine. If cash is short (isn't it always), glue up the rudder head and investigate the cost of a band. I don't think the plate either side option will work as you have some substantial fastenings already at the top that don't leave a vast amount of space for through bolting some extras. Good paint job as well. But then keep an eye on it. Note how the crack extends down quite a way down the rudder head. That will be difficult to seal so keep an eye on it. The worst scenario would be to get damp attacking the central blade but that's not going to happen overnight and a fix will probably last a couple of years. It will be easy to spot problems as the paint will crack if there is movement.

Yep, lesson learned!! Thanks for the extra advice, I think its a good idea to repaint afresh, which should highlight any future movement and (hopefully) act as a early warning!

It looks like there have been a couple of temporary repairs already. There is a screw in either side at the top. I would go with removing those two screws, prise apart whatever moves and pour in epoxy. Get a stainless plate shaped up for eaither side of the rudder head then through bolt it at the four corners. If the wood is still sound I reckon that sort or repair will last very many years. Whittle yourself a new tiller.

PS it may be worth trying to fabricate a couple of rudderstops to prevent future mishaps.

alahol2, this sounds like just the right balance (for me) of approach, and somewhat achievable! i hadnt noticed those screw holes until you and tillergirl mentioned them. so, weighing up all suggestions, i'll attempt to heat gun off the paint tomorrow and see whats underneath. Remove any screws and other fixings and then pour in epoxy - suggestions of which is the best epoxy for the job would be most appreciated - then I'll clamp it with a couple of D clamps till it dries.

I'll be able to get measurements for the stainless plate tomorrow too and start that process - those rudderstops are a fantastic idea, and again, so simple (design wise) I'm going to see if I can get some of those made up too!

Thank you so much, the photo helped enormously!

Your photos look like exactly what happened to my tiller earlier in the year.

Fortunately I have an identical spare.

I thought about trying to repair the break but I am now going to shorten it and use it when 'pottering' (ie most of the time). Should not affect things given the type of sailing I do and will give a few more inches in a small cockpit.

I am also going to make a new full length one in suitably grained ash in due course.

The major lesson is - carry a spare, even if it is a rough hewn substitute.

chinita, this is good to hear, I dont feel like I'm the only one who goes around trashing tillers now!! I think carrying a spare is very good advice! And shortening whats left of my old one might suffice as a spare, spare too!